Description
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to achieve a slight jiggle in the center, these bars are a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the bars evenly.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well blended, then press firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form an even crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, the remaining sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set at the edges.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours to set before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbake; a slight jiggle in the center ensures creamy texture.
- Refrigeration time is crucial for bars to firm up properly before slicing.
- Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water to cut clean edges.
